Methods of Qualitative Theory in Nonlinear Dynamics (Electronic book text)

Bifurcation and chaos has dominated research in nonlinear dynamics for over two decades, and numerous introductory and advanced books have been published on this subject. This volume aims to provide a pedagogically appealing yet rigorous mathematical bridge between these two disparate levels of exposition. Following the footsteps of Poincar and the renowned Andronov school of nonlinear oscillations, this book focuses on the qualitative study of high-dimensional nonlinear dynamical systems. Many of the qualitative methods and tools presented in the book have been developed only recently and have not yet appeared in textbook form. In keeping with the self-contained nature of the book, all the topics are developed with introductory background and complete mathematical rigor. Illustrated and written at a high level of exposition, this valuable work should appeal to both the beginner and the advanced student of nonlinear dynamics interested in learning a rigorous mathematical foundation of this fascinating subject.